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Player ratings: Toughed it out

Sat, 28 Sep 2013 19:40

The Wallabies’ woes continued but they could be pleased with the fact that they denied the Springboks a four-try bonus point on Saturday.

The Australians were blown off the Newlands pitch in the first quarter and at 23-3, the Boks had the match won at half-time.

But among the negatives – and there were plenty – was one positive; the character the outclassed visitors showed in the second half to concede just a further five points and score a try of their own in the second 40.

A 20-point loss remains a beating any way you look at it, but it could – and probably should – have been much, much worse.

Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Wallaby players.

15 Israel Folau
Another average Test in which he had little ball and proved a defensive liability.5.5/10

13 Tevita Kuridrani
Brought a much-needed physical presence to the midfield and was solid on both attack and defence. Made good ground with ball in hand and made an impressive 16 tackles.7/10

12 Christian Lealiifano
His performance, in which he made little ground to speak of and slipped tackles, showed that he’s currently only in the starting line-up for his goal-kicking.5/10

11 Joe Tomane
There was the odd attacking threat undone by two penalties he gave away.5/10

10 Quade Cooper
After an anonymous first half, he really came into his own following Will Genia’s introduction at the start of the second. Possibly his best ever Test on defence with an unrivalled 17 tackles while missing just one. Crossed the gainline consistently and sparked the Wallabies’ only try with a deft crosskick.7/10

9 Nic White
Kicked too much, especially when one considers the little possession the Wallabies had in the first half and was consequently plucked at half-time.4/10

8 Ben Mowen
Showed newfound physicality with two big hits and strong defence throughout, making 14 tackles in all. Also featured in the line-out with one take and one on the Boks’ throw. His best Test yet7.5/10

7 Michael Hooper
Rather unfortunate to be yellow carded but still one of the best Wallabies on the day. Showed great commitment with an unmatched nine ball carries and made 10 tackles.7/10

6 Scott Fardy
Instrumental in the 10 minutes Hooper was off the field, winning two penalties at the breakdown in this period to stifle the Boks' momentum.6/10

5 James Horwill (captain)
A typically courageous effort made all the more impressive coming off an injury lay-off. Led by example with his high workrate on defence (11 hits) and solid line-out play (five takes).7/10

4 Rob Simmons
Did his best work in the line-out and on defence, where he had six takes and made seven tackles. However, he was outmuscled by the physical Bok forwards.6.5/10

3 Ben Alexander
A willing and effective ball carrier and rock solid defender. A scrum penalty was his major infringement.6.5/10

2 Stephen Moore
Really got under the Boks’ skin while managing to fly under the officials’ radar. His accuracy in the set pieces was only truly appreciated in his absence, when Saia Faingaa misfired in the line-out.6/10

1 James Slipper
Conceded a penalty at the very first scrum and like Moore, was involved in some off-the-ball scuffles but worked hard on defence.6/10

Replacements:

16 Saia Faingaa (on for Moore, 66th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.

17 Benn Robinson(on for Slipper, 51st minute)
Made eight tackles in his cameo which was on par with loose forward Fardy and scrummed well.6.5/10

18 Sekope Kepu(on for Alexander, 54th minute)
Adequate in the scrum but brought nothing noteworthy to the table in general play.5.5/10

19 Sitaleki Timani (on for Simmons, 66th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.

20 Ben McCalman (on for Fardy, 57th minute)
Made a solid contribution in all three key areas.6/10

21 Will Genia(on for White, 40th minute)
Still some way off his best but the game changed with him at scrumhalf as he offered some attacking zest.6.5/10

22 Matt Toomua (on for Lealiifano, 72nd minute)
Not enough time to be rated.